BMW Confirms Diesel 3-Series Sports Wagon For U.S.

BMW has finally confirmed that its 3-Series Sports Wagon will offer a diesel option in the U.S., with the automaker revealing the good news following the debut of the 2014 328d diesel sedan at the 2013 New York Auto Show last week.

We’ve been yearning for a diesel-powered 3-Series Sports Wagon ever since BMW unveiled the latest version of its stylish tourer last May, and though there have been several reports suggesting it would happen, this is the first time that BMW has officially announced it.

A new 328d xDrive Sports Wagon will join the 328d sedan in BMW showrooms this fall, where it will list as a 2014 model.

However, while the diesel 3-Series sedan will be available with either rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, the diesel 3-Series Sports Wagon will only come with the xDrive system.

All 3-Series diesel models will be powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which rates at 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It will come matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which promises 0-60 mph acceleration in just over seven seconds and an estimated fuel economy of 32/45 mpg city/highway and 37 mpg combined.

By comparison, the former 335d’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivered 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque, but only got into the mid-30s when it came to fuel economy. And, despite all of its extra performance, the 335d would only sprint to 60 mph about a second faster than BMW’s claims for the 328d.

Look for the 2014 BMW 328d range, including the new 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, in showrooms this fall. The cars will be available with the same options as their gasoline counterparts, including the Luxury, Sport and Modern trims, as well as the M Sport Package.